If you are craving a side dish that combines irresistible crunch, buttery richness, and fresh herbaceous aromas, you’re going to love this Crispy Potato Stacks with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe. These golden, layered potato stacks are a total showstopper, boasting thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes infused with garlicky herb butter and baked to crispy perfection. Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner or simply want to elevate your weeknight meal, these stacks are guaranteed to impress with their delicate layers, flavorful punch, and elegant presentation. Trust me, once you try this Crispy Potato Stacks with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved addition to your cooking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A metal muffin tray with six circular molds, each filled with thin, round slices of yellow dough stacked in layers, about 4-5 layers per mold. The dough layers show a smooth texture with small green herb pieces sprinkled on top and around the edges. Light bits of grated white cheese or garlic are scattered over the dough and inside the molds. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe wonderfully highlights how simple ingredients can come together to create a dish bursting with flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role—from the buttery garlic-herb mixture that infuses the potatoes with fresh, savory notes, to the Parmesan cheese that adds a subtle nutty crust that complements the crispy edges perfectly.

Unsalted butter (½ cup, 114g): The luscious base for the garlic herb butter that coats every slice.
Garlic cloves (3, minced): Provides a robust, fragrant punch to the herb butter.
Fresh parsley (3 tbsp, chopped): Brings a bright, fresh flavor that balances the richness.
Fresh thyme leaves (2 tsp, finely chopped): Adds earthiness and subtle depth to the dish.
Kosher salt (1 tsp, or 2 tsp if using Diamond Crystal): Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
Black pepper (to taste): Mild heat and aromatic complexity.
Yellow or Yukon Gold potatoes (3 lb, sliced 1/16” thick): Their creamy texture and buttery flavor make them ideal for stacking.
Small sprigs of fresh thyme (12-18): Used as charming garnish layers inside the stacks.
Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup, 50g): Sprinkled throughout for a subtle savory crispy crust.
Neutral oil: For brushing the muffin tin to ensure the stacks don’t stick.
Flaky salt such as Maldon: The finishing touch that adds delicate crunch and flavor bursts.

How to Make Crispy Potato Stacks with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush each cup of a 12-cup muffin tin with neutral oil to prevent sticking. If you want to make a bigger batch, consider using a 6-cup tin in addition to extend your stacks from 12 to 18, which is perfect for larger gatherings. Remember that the potatoes will shrink down as they cook, so don’t worry about piling them a little higher than the rim.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Herb Butter

Melt the unsalted butter gently, then mix in the minced garlic, fresh parsley, chopped thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper. Let this flavorful butter cool a bit—this mixture will be the magic that coats every thin slice of potato with aromatic goodness.

Step 3: Slice and Coat the Potatoes

Use a mandolin slicer to cut the potatoes into very thin, even slices about 1/16 inch thick with the skin on. Even thickness means they’ll cook uniformly to tender layers every time. If you don’t have a mandolin, chop carefully with a sharp knife. Toss the slices generously in the cooled garlic herb butter, ensuring each slice is coated to the tip.

Step 4: Assemble Your Potato Stacks

In each greased muffin cup, place a sprig of fresh thyme on the bottom, then start layering the potato slices. Begin with smaller slices and finish with larger ones to create a beautiful staggered stack. Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese about one-third and two-thirds up the stack to build layers of crispy umami flavor. You’ll have 12 stacks total, but if you want to make 18, just use your extra 6-cup muffin tin.

Step 5: Bake Covered and Then Crisp

Cover the muffin tin tightly with foil and bake in the oven for about 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when tested with a skewer. Then, remove the foil, increase the heat to 425°F (220°C), and bake for another 13-15 minutes uncovered. Watch as the edges become beautifully browned and the tops turn a golden crispy shade that’s simply irresistible.

Step 6: Unmold and Finish

Using a skewer or thin utensil, gently loosen each stack and turn it upside down so the thyme sprig is on top for a pretty presentation. Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to highlight the texture and flavor. Serve immediately and revel in that heavenly crackle and buttery burst.

How to Serve Crispy Potato Stacks with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe

The image shows a metal muffin tray with several sections filled with a dish made of thinly sliced potatoes layered tightly in a circular pattern. Each portion looks golden brown on the edges, with a smooth, creamy yellow top that has a slightly browned, baked cheese or sauce layer. A small sprig of green herb, possibly thyme, rests on top of each portion. The potato slices are visible around the sides as thin, crisp layers stacked closely together. The tray is placed on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a perfect finishing touch, use extra fresh thyme sprigs and a sprinkle of flaky salt. The herbs add a visual pop and fresh fragrance, while the flaky salt enhances the crunchy texture, giving each bite a delightful burst of flavor. You can also add a sprinkle of finely chopped chives or a light drizzle of olive oil for an elegant touch.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with rich mains—think herb-roasted chicken, a juicy steak, or pan-seared salmon. If you want to keep things vegetarian, a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette is a crisp, refreshing contrast. The richness and texture of the potato stacks make them a fantastic side to balance richer proteins or vegetable-centric dishes.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these potato stacks on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment for a family-style feast. If you’re hosting a party, present them on individual small plates with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. They also make an elegant addition to a holiday buffet when stacked tall and garnished artistically.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the crispest moment fresh out of the oven, leftovers can still shine with the right care. Cool the stacks completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to enjoy them within a few hours. For longer storage, refrigerate and try to consume within 2 days for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze fully cooked potato stacks by layering them carefully in a single layer on a baking sheet first, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as below. Keep in mind the texture may soften slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Reheating

To bring your potato stacks back to their glorious crispiness, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. For extra crisp edges, finish with a quick broil or pop them in an air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes. This method revives the crisp without drying them out, so you get that crave-worthy texture every time.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato for the Crispy Potato Stacks with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe?

While Yukon Gold or yellow potatoes are ideal for their buttery flavor and creamy texture, you can experiment with red potatoes or even Russets. Just be aware that Russets are starchier and may make the stacks less firm, so thinner slicing and attentive baking will be key.

Is it necessary to use fresh herbs in this recipe?

Fresh herbs truly elevate the dish with vibrant flavors and aromas, especially thyme and parsley. If you don’t have fresh, dried herbs can be used in a pinch, but reduce the amount and add them to the butter while melting to help release their flavors.

How thin should I slice the potatoes for the stacks?

Very thin slices, about 1/16 inch thick, are essential for even cooking and creating delicate, tender layers. A mandolin slicer is perfect for this, but if slicing by hand, take your time to ensure the slices are as even as possible.

Can I prepare these potato stacks ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! Prepare the stacks almost fully baked and cool them on a wire rack. Then keep them at room temperature or refrigerate. When ready to serve, warm in the oven and broil briefly to crisp up the edges. This approach means less last-minute work and still a perfectly crispy result.

What is the best way to unmold the potato stacks from the muffin tin?

The best trick is to use a wooden skewer to gently slide down the side of each stack and then carefully flip it out with tongs or a fork. This helps keep the structure intact and maintains the beautiful layered presentation with the thyme sprig on top.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Potato Stacks with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe is truly a labor of love that rewards you with irresistible layers of flavor and texture. It’s one of those dishes that looks as stunning as it tastes and always steals the show at any meal. Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own, enjoy the process of building those golden stacks, and most importantly, savor every crispy, buttery bite alongside the people you care about.